There’s a new version of an ancient grain that is making a return to Ontario farm fields.
“It works really well for us in the organic setting, it's easy to grow, its low management.”
Ontario pork producer Egbert Deetman has nothing but positive things to say about his hybrid rye crop which he started feeding his pigs 2 years ago.
“It produces a lot of straw which we use for bedding a requirement for organic," says Egbert. "It has a low iodine value, to help give it a better quality of meat.”
Developed by German company KWS Seeds, hybrid rye boasts an impressive yield growth.
“It’s the highest yielding cereal crop for grain", said Livestock Feed Consultant for KWS Seeds said Laura Eastwood. “Compared to conventional rye it yields about 20-30 percent higher and compared to wheat its 10-15 percent higher so for a pig farmer they can feed more animals per ace.”
According to Laura Eastwood the hybrid rye crop which is planted in the fall, contains high digestible nutrients and is an energy dense option for pigs.
“It has a great amino acid profile, and its packed with high quality soluble fibre which are the good fibres for intestinal health benefits and satiety for pigs.”
Egbert Deetman says growing the crop has had a number of positive outcomes, as not only does it produce a high straw content which they need for their operation, but it has saved time in the field as hybrid rye doesn’t require mechanical tillage.
“It gives you great weed control, that’s important because we can’t spray,” says Egbert.
Grey County pork producer Scott Nyenhuis will be planting the crop for the first time.
“Excited to try it out," says Scott. "Were planting 86 acres and because we are short a bit of land so and because it’s supposed to yield better than say wheat we can cut our corn usage back – that means not having to buy as much grain or feed.”
Nyenhuis says if the crop performs as advertised, it will put him in a position to be more self sufficient. Egbert Deetman says he will once again plant hybrid rye this fall as it has become an important part of the feed mixture they give their animals.
“I’d recommend it but obviously do your own research and see if it fits your farm for us it works well and has many benefits.”